Our mission is to open up the world of photography to diverse talent, and to empower women and those who identify as women to step behind the lens.

We must start at home. Equality in our own awards is improving but is not equal yet; just 38% of our winners are female. We are determined to see this number rise. This is why we have created Female in Focus. We hope to see more work by women at festivals and in galleries, and to elevate the work and careers of female photographers across the globe.

We believe that gender is a spectrum. Female in Focus is inclusive of a multitude of feminine voices, including those who are trans and non-binary.

Our visual content agency, Studio 1854, helps brands use the power of photography and video to cultivate and engage larger audiences, by leveraging our relationships with the world’s top photographic influencers and our understanding of the visual content that engages them.

About United Photo Industries

United Photo Industries is a New York-based non-profit organization that works to promote a wider understanding and increased access to the art of photography.

Since its founding in 2011, UPI has rapidly solidified its position in the public art landscape by continuing to showcase thought-provoking, challenging, and exceptional photography from across the globe. In its first 7 years, UPI has presented the work of more than 2,500 visual artists in gallery exhibitions and public art installations worldwide.

Proudly devoted to cultivating strategic partnerships, creative collaborations, and community spirit, UPI approaches its mission of cultivating a wide, diverse audience for powerful photographic narratives with unrelenting zeal, working closely with photo festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations across the globe to create new exhibition opportunities.